Jay Leno Reflects on Political Humor in the Wake of Stephen Colbert’s Cancellation Controversy

Former The Tonight Show host Jay Leno recently opened up about his approach to political humor during an interview with David Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. As the industry reacts to the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Leno’s comments serve as a reflection on how late-night television and comedy have evolved, especially in today’s increasingly polarized political climate.

Leno said he never knew if his friend of 40 years, Rodney Dangerfield, was a Republican or Democrat.  (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Keeping Balance: Leno’s Approach to Political Jokes

Leno, who hosted The Tonight Show for over two decades, was known for keeping his comedy politically balanced. When Trulio asked him about the analysis that found his jokes targeted both Republicans and Democrats equally, Leno responded with his trademark wit:

“It was fun to me when I got hate letters [like] ‘Dear Mr. Leno, you and your Republican friends’ and ‘Well, Mr. Leno, I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy’ — over the same joke,” he recalled, chuckling. “And I go, ‘Well, that’s good,’” he added. “That’s how you get a whole audience.”

Leno’s ability to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum was one of his defining traits as a late-night host. He avoided alienating any group, preferring instead to make humor a shared experience for his viewers.

The Changing Landscape of Late-Night TV

Leno, who retired from The Tonight Show in 2014, contrasted his approach to the current state of late-night television. With political divisions at an all-time high, he pointed out how much things have changed. “Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have [to] give your opinion,” Leno said, suggesting that today’s hosts often cater their comedy to one side of the political spectrum, sacrificing broader appeal for partisan favor.

Leno also recalled his long-time friendship with legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who, much like Leno, refrained from revealing his political leanings. “I have no idea if he was Democrat or Republican. We never discussed [it], we just discussed jokes,” Leno shared. He added, “I like to think that people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life. Funny is funny.”

Advice for Today’s Comedians

When asked if he had advice for today’s comedians, Leno gave a simple yet profound answer: “Funny is funny. It’s funny when someone who’s not [on your side] laughs at a joke you made about their side.” His point was clear: comedy, at its best, can bring people together by making fun of all sides, not just one.

Leno’s perspective stands in contrast to the increasingly divided approach taken by some late-night hosts, especially in the wake of Colbert’s cancellation. While The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tackled political satire and often skewered figures like Donald Trump, Leno’s career was defined by his ability to entertain a broad audience without leaning too heavily in one direction.

“I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group, you know, or just don’t do it at all,” Leno said, reinforcing his belief that humor should unite rather than divide.

The Colbert Cancellation and Its Political Overtones

Leno’s comments come amid the controversy surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a decision that has sparked accusations of political interference. CBS announced that Colbert’s show would end in May 2026, citing “a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” but many suspect political motivations behind the move.

The timing of the cancellation, just days after Colbert’s criticism of CBS’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, has led many to believe the decision was politically motivated. Colbert, known for his biting political commentary, described the settlement as a “big fat bribe,” adding fuel to the fire. Trump, who celebrated the cancellation, called it a victory, leading to further speculation about the network’s motivations.

Support from Fellow Late-Night Hosts

In the wake of Colbert’s cancellation news, a wave of support from his fellow late-night hosts has poured in. Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart have all rallied around Colbert, attending a taping of his show in a show of solidarity. David Letterman, the creator of The Late Show, also slammed CBS’s decision, calling it “pure cowardice” and saying that the network had mishandled Colbert’s departure.

A Broader Reflection on Comedy and Television

Leno’s reflections on the state of late-night television serve as a reminder of how much the landscape has changed in recent years. While Colbert’s sharp political satire made him a household name, the shift toward more partisan content has also sparked debate about the future of late-night comedy. Leno’s career was defined by his ability to entertain all sides, and he seems to feel that today’s late-night TV environment has lost some of that balance.

For now, Colbert’s supporters are watching closely to see how the industry responds to his cancellation. As the conversation around late-night television continues to evolve, Leno’s insights offer a valuable perspective on how comedy can, and should, serve as a unifying force.

In the end, Leno’s advice remains as relevant as ever: “Why shoot for just half an audience when you can entertain them all?”